Post
Research the Car Logo

2020 Lexus RX350L

The 2020 Lexus RX 350L is a luxury crossover SUV known for its comfortable ride, spacious interior (especially in the L version with the third row), and Lexus’s reputation for reliability. The RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offers a smooth and refined driving experience. Common praises include the quiet cabin, comfortable seating, and abundance of standard safety features. Common complaints typically revolve around the somewhat lackluster handling, the infotainment system’s touchpad interface, and the limited cargo space when the third row seats are in use. There are no other engine or transmission options available on the 2020 RX350L.

Engine

3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS)

  • Water Pump Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaking, engine overheating, whining noise from the engine.
    • Solution: Replace the water pump.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $900+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leak - Timing Chain Cover
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak near the front of the engine, oil smell, low oil level.
    • Solution: Reseal the timing chain cover.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (UB80E)

  • Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough or jerky shifts, particularly between certain gears.
    • Solution: Could be software related and addressed with a Transmission Control Module (TCM) reflash/reprogram. In more severe cases, valve body replacement may be necessary.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 for reprogramming; $800 - $1500+ for valve body replacement
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Shudder
    • Description/Symptoms: A shuddering or vibration felt during light acceleration at highway speeds.
    • Solution: A fluid flush may help. However, in some cases, the torque converter may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 for fluid flush; $1,000 - $2,500+ for torque converter replacement
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • No Issues Found

Electrical

  • Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or crashes and restarts.
    • Solution: Perform a system reset or have the dealership update the software. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for reset; $100 - $200 for software update; $1,000 - $3,000+ for head unit replacement
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Backup Camera Malfunction
    • Description/Symptoms: Backup camera displays a black screen, distorted image, or does not activate when the vehicle is in reverse.
    • Solution: Check the camera connection and wiring. The camera unit may need to be replaced.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for wiring repair; $300 - $800+ for camera replacement
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: AEB system activating unnecessarily or not activating when needed. Can sometimes trigger error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Requires recalibration of the sensors or replacement of the sensors.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Dashboard Cracking
    • Description/Symptoms: Cracking of the dashboard material, particularly in warmer climates.
    • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Third Row Seat Operation Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty folding or unfolding the third-row seats, motor malfunction (if power-folding).
    • Solution: Check for obstructions, lubricate hinges, or replace the motor/mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200 for lubrication/minor repair; $300 - $1,000+ for motor/mechanism replacement
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2020 Lexus RX 350L generally maintains a good reputation for reliability, however, some common issues that owners have encountered range from relatively minor electrical glitches to more substantial concerns like water pump failures and transmission issues. The cost to repair these issues can vary widely, but some, like dashboard cracking and timing chain cover leaks, can be quite expensive. While the number of recalls seems low, it’s essential for prospective buyers to be aware of these potential problems and factor them into their purchasing decision.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.